Propulsion Landing Gear Control for Small or Moving Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsion devices face challenges in safely and efficiently landing on small or moving surfaces, particularly due to instability caused by weather conditions and limited pilot skill, with existing solutions being complex, limited in size, or requiring specific landing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular propulsion system with retractable and stabilizing landing gear, combined with a control method using proximity sensors and actuators, allows for automated and adaptable landing on various surfaces by adjusting thrust and deploying stabilizing legs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated control with proximity sensors and actuators is implemented, then landing precision and stability on small or moving surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses proximity sensors to detect surface distance and actuators to adjust landing gear in real-time. This substitution of mechanical pilot control with sensor-actuator automation enables precise landing on small or moving surfaces while reducing reliance on pilot skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion device performs self-adjustment during landing through the automated control system. The proximity sensors continuously monitor the distance to the surface, and the processing unit automatically commands actuators to deploy or retract landing gear without external intervention, enabling the device to service its own landing operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If retractable and stabilizing landing gear is deployed, then stability during landing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The landing gear is designed as a dynamic, retractable system rather than a fixed structure. The actuators enable the landing gear to extend or retract based on real-time landing conditions detected by proximity sensors, allowing the device to adapt its stability characteristics during different phases of approach and landing.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing gear system is divided into multiple independent components with separate actuators for each leg. This segmentation allows individual adjustment of each landing gear element, providing fine-grained control over stability during landing while enabling selective deployment based on surface conditions.
3Ease of operation
If automated control system with proximity sensors is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system performs self-service by automatically detecting surface proximity through sensors and commanding appropriate landing gear adjustments without requiring pilot intervention. This eliminates the need for skilled manual operation while the system manages its own landing sequence autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensors provide continuous feedback to the processing unit about the distance to the landing surface. This feedback loop enables the automated control system to make real-time adjustments to landing gear deployment based on actual conditions, simplifying operation by removing the need for pilot judgment and manual control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a propulsion device comprising a platform, a thrust unit, support means arranged to maintain and support said thrust unit, cooperating rigidly with said platform via one or more suitable mechanical connections, projecting means cooperating rigidly with the platform via suitable mechanical connections, and a central foot passing through the center of inertia of the propulsion device and cooperating rigidly with the platform via a suitable mechanical connection at its proximal end. To allow the propulsion device to land on reception surfaces that are relatively small compared to the propulsion device and/or moving, the projecting means and the central foot are arranged so that the central foot can ensure the initial contact between said device and a reception surface of said device.